The Grand Stage: Harrison Opera House
A deep dive into Norfolk's premier performing arts venue, exploring its rich history and architectural significance.
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About the Venue
A Cultural Cornerstone
The Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House, commonly known as the Harrison Opera House, stands as the official home of the Virginia Opera. Situated in the vibrant Neon District of Downtown Norfolk, Virginia, it also borders the historic Ghent Square neighborhood, making it a significant cultural landmark in the region.
Dedicated to Performing Arts
Originally constructed as a public works auditorium, the venue has evolved into a dedicated opera facility. Its primary purpose is to host world-class operatic performances, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of Norfolk and the wider Hampton Roads area.
A Storied Past
Origins and Wartime Service
The building's genesis traces back to its construction as a public works auditorium. During the pivotal era of World War II, it served a vital role in supporting morale by hosting United Services Organization (USO) shows, providing entertainment and comfort to service members.
Transformation and Renovation
Initially known as the Norfolk Center Theater, the venue underwent a significant transformation. In 1993, it was meticulously renovated by the esteemed architecture firm GUND Partnership. This extensive refurbishment reimagined the space as a dedicated opera facility, preserving its historical essence while enhancing its suitability for grand theatrical productions.
Integrated Spaces
The original structure ingeniously combined the USO/Center Theater with the adjacent Norfolk Municipal Auditorium. Today, the former auditorium space has been repurposed to serve essential administrative functions and provide necessary storage for the Virginia Opera, underscoring the building's continued operational importance.
Venue Specifications
Seating Capacity
The Harrison Opera House boasts a seating capacity of 1,632 patrons. This capacity is carefully managed to provide an intimate yet grand experience for attendees during performances.
Ownership and Operation
The venue is owned and operated by the City of Norfolk, reflecting its status as a key public asset dedicated to the arts and cultural enrichment of the community.
Architectural Type
Classified as an opera house, the building is architecturally designed and acoustically optimized for the presentation of opera and other performing arts, ensuring a high-quality experience for both performers and the audience.
Honoring the Harrisons
A Legacy of Support
The opera house bears the name of Stanley and Edythe Harrison, recognizing their significant contributions to the arts in Virginia. Edythe Harrison, in particular, was a distinguished figure, having served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and as the founding president of the Virginia Opera, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the organization and its mission.
Prime Location
Strategic Placement
The Harrison Opera House is strategically located at 160 Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia. Its position within the dynamic Neon District places it at the heart of downtown's cultural and entertainment hub, adjacent to the charming Ghent Square neighborhood.
Geographic Coordinates
The precise geographic coordinates for the venue are 36°51′30″N 76°17′24″W. This location information is vital for navigation and understanding its placement within the urban landscape.
Official Resources
For further information regarding venue details, schedules, and ticketing, please refer to the official resources:
- Seven Venues: www.sevenvenues.com
- Virginia Opera: www.vaopera.org
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and has been refined for clarity and educational value.
While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, this content is not a substitute for official venue information, direct consultation with the Virginia Opera or Seven Venues, or professional architectural and historical research. Users are encouraged to verify critical details through official channels.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.